16 Recipes To Make You Look Forward To Lunch

Recipes to make you look forward to lunch should be easy, satisfying, and something you want to eat. No more boring meals that feel like an afterthought—these recipes bring great flavors and just the right mix of fresh and filling. Whether you’re packing it up or eating at home, lunch just got better. No complicated prep, no long lists of ingredients—just simple meals that get the job done and taste great while doing it. If you’re tired of the same old lunch routine, these recipes will shake things up in the best way.

Cranberry Chicken Salad

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This Cranberry Chicken Salad mixes tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans in a creamy dressing. It’s a quick, tasty twist on the classic. Serve it on bread, in lettuce cups, or on its own!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad

Rainbow Salad

This Rainbow Veggie Salad is a bright and fresh lunch option full of garden vegetables. It’s a colorful dish that’s great on its own or paired with soup. Whip it up for a light and healthy meal!
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Salad

Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Bacon ranch pasta salad in a clear bowl with a striped towel. — Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This creamy Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon is ready in 30 minutes, making it an easy lunch option. Prep it ahead of time for a quick, flavorful meal. It’s a family favorite, especially during summer!
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Caesar Salad With Bacon and Ranch

A white plate with two wedges of lettuce with bacon and dressing. — Caesar Salad With Bacon and Ranch. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Caesar Salad with Bacon and Ranch is a quick, five-ingredient lunch option. It combines crunchy lettuce, smoky bacon, and creamy dressing for a satisfying meal. It’s easy to make and looks fancy, too!
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad With Bacon and Ranch

Ham and Cheese Scones

These Ham and Cheese Scones are soft inside with a crisp edge, packed with cheddar and savory ham. They’re easy to make and perfect for a hearty lunch. Serve warm for a comforting midday bite!
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Scones

Mini Swiss Cheese Quiches

These Mini Swiss Cheese Quiches are creamy, savory, and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for a light lunch or snack. Make a batch ahead of time for easy grab-and-go bites!
Get the Recipe: Mini Swiss Cheese Quiches

Tomato Basil Soup

Two bowls of soup with sour cream on top. — Tomato Basil Soup. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Tomato Basil Soup is smooth, comforting, and full of fresh flavors. It’s quick to make and perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner. Serve it with crusty bread for a simple, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Soup

BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Grilled chicken flatbread pizzas on a marble countertop. — BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza is a quick and flavorful lunch option. Use leftover chicken or fresh-cooked for a meal the whole family will enjoy. It’s easy, fast, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs

A white platter with cheese stuffed meatballs, limes, radishes and onions. — Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs are packed with Tex-Mex flavors and a melty cheddar center. They’re perfect for a light lunch with a salad. Quick to prepare, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike!
Get the Recipe: Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

A plate of kale salad with orange slices, pomegranate seeds, shredded chicken, and pine nuts on a white plate, placed on a pink napkin. — Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad features rotisserie chicken and bright citrus on kale. Tossed in an orange Dijon dressing, it’s a refreshing and hearty lunch. It’s a great way to add flavor to your day!
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Broccoli and shredded carrots on a mixing spoon. — Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This Broccoli Apple Salad combines crisp broccoli, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts. A creamy yogurt mayo dressing ties it all together for a tasty lunch or side dish. It’s a fresh, filling option you’ll love!
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Chopped Greek Salad

This Chopped Greek Salad is light, crisp, and tossed with a classic vinaigrette. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or as a side to heartier dishes. Add it to your lunch rotation for a refreshing change!
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Avocado Egg Salad

This Avocado Egg Salad is a fresh take on the classic, made with Greek yogurt and herbs. It’s creamy, low-carb, and perfect for a quick lunch. Serve it on toast, in a wrap, or enjoy it on its own!
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Avocado Toast

Finished avocado tartine with a vintage knife on a light blue plate on a medium blue background. — Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This avocado toast combines creamy avocado, rich cream cheese, and everything bagel seasoning. A splash of lime juice adds a fresh, zesty kick. It’s a quick, open-faced sandwich that feels a little fancy!
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Easy Tortilla Pizza

An overhead image of a tortilla pizza with a hand placing fresh basil on top. — Easy Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This Easy Tortilla Pizza is a fast, budget-friendly lunch option. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a quick bite. It’s a simple way to enjoy pizza without the wait!
Get the Recipe: Easy Tortilla Pizza

Pear Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese

Pear bacon and brie grilled cheese on a plate with a knife. — Pear Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This grilled cheese combines juicy pear, crispy bacon, and melty brie for a gourmet sandwich. Caramelized onions add a sweet-savory touch. It’s a rich, satisfying option for a special lunch.
Get the Recipe: Pear Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese